Diddy’s ego added to NY lineup

Philip Maddocks

Thursday

May 10, 2007 at 12:01 AMMay 10, 2007 at 10:20 AM

Several days after signing pitcher Roger Clemens to a prorated $28 million contract amid much fanfare and promise, the New York Yankees completed another bold roster move, inking a deal with Sean Combs’ ego, better known as "Diddy.".

"We’re not sure what kind of ballplayer his ego is, but we know we have added another unmanageable ego to our roster. And we think that’s exactly what we need," said

Several days after signing pitcher Roger Clemens to a prorated $28 million contract amid much fanfare and promise, the New York Yankees completed another bold roster move, inking a deal with Sean Combs’ ego, better known as "Diddy.".

"We’re not sure what kind of ballplayer his ego is, but we know we have added another unmanageable ego to our roster. And we think that’s exactly what we need," said Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman. "A lot of our players’ egos are young and inexperienced. Diddy’s ego will add some much-needed leadership in that regard."

"Make no mistake about it," Combs told reporters. "My ego has come here to experience what they know how to do here and that is to satisfy my ego. Anything else would be a failure."

Combs’ ego’s contract allows it some flexibility in its schedule, giving it the freedom to carry a firearm if it wishes, to remain out as late as it wants, and to have complete artistic control over the music played in the Yankee clubhouse.

Players said they would not object to special treatment for Combs’ ego.

"I could care less," Yankee Jason Giambi said.. "His ego rubs me the wrong way. I think it rubs everyone on the team the wrong way. But I'd carry its bags, because I think it is bad for the team, which is good for the Yankees. It’s hard to hate your opponents when you can’t hate your own team. Diddy’s ego is going to change that for us."

Combs’ ego will have the same locker and uniform number as former Yankee great Reggie Jackson, whom Combs said he idolized until he became wealthier than the Hall of Fame center fielder.

"I still respect him," said Combs, "just not as an equal."

It is not clear what position, if any, that Combs’ ego will play for the Yankees, but Cashman said that wasn’t important. What matters he said, is that the mere presence of Combs’ ego on the payroll changes the attitude of the team.

Cashman said the scores of Combs’ ego on the BOSS test (Brain of Steinbrenner Standard), which the team uses to assess the ego potential of its players, "were off the charts."

"This is the kind of ego that comes along once, maybe twice, in a generation," Cashman said. "Even George was impressed. And it takes a lot to impress George."

Cashman said the insertion of Combs’ ego into the locker room will immediately give the Yankees some much needed self-centeredness and pettiness, something he said had been lacking since New York slugger Alex Rodriguez decided to get down to business this spring and stopped primping himself so much.

"We just haven’t been the same," said Cashman. "Some people say it’s our pitching but we know better. When you think of those championship Yankee teams from the past, yes, you think of talent, but what you think of first and foremost are the massive egos in those lineups. If you get enough people on your team that only care about themselves, then winning will take care of itself. That’s basic Yankee baseball and we think by signing Diddy’s ego we have immediately transformed this team, ego-wise. "

Cashman, while acknowledging that Combs’ ego has no professional baseball experience at all, said the rapper’s ego will bring a lot more to the diamond "than just playing skills."

"His ego is a winner," said Cashman. "It has been a winner all its life and there is no substitute for that."

He pointed to Combs’ ego’s love of the limelight and its refusal to admit to mistakes as character traits that will serve it well as a Yankee.

The rapper, Grammy-winning entertainment mogul, record producer, and actor – outfitted in his trademark sunglasses and a white outfit from his clothing line, Sean John – said at his press conference that he hopes his ego will be ready for the Yankees by late May.

After the press conference, Combs took his ego out for its first workout as a Yankee.

"It feels good," he said afterwards. "Right now I've just got to get that sense of self-doubt that every entertainer’s ego understands. I've got to get it in my legs and out as quick as possible so that I know my ego can handle the stress of a major league game."

The workout took place at Club New York, a midtown Manhattan nightclub, the same location where, back in 1999, Combs and fellow rapper Shyne were arrested for weapons violations and other charges after gunfire broke out.

At the workout the future Hall of Fame entertainer, stalked around the club for more than an hour with a baseball in one hand, alternately appearing menacing and condescending.

While admiring himself in a mirror, Combs tried an assortment of postures, dance moves, and facial expressions during the workout — all unapologetically "sampled" from other players and entertainers that he said he held in disdain..

As for choosing the Yankees, Combs said he hoped he had offended his critics.

"I wish there were three of me. I really do. And I’m sure my fans do too."